Actresses Who Passed Away from Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease that has affected people from all walks of life. This includes many talented actresses who have graced our screens. Their work has brought joy and entertainment to audiences worldwide. Learning about their lives and careers helps us remember their contributions to film and television. It also highlights the personal battles they faced away from the camera.

This article remembers actresses who passed away from breast cancer. It honors their memory by revisiting their careers and the impact they made. Their stories are a reminder of the human side of the artists we admire. We celebrate their legacies that continue to live on through their performances.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a groundbreaking actress and singer. She began her career in the 1950s, appearing in films like Carmen Jones (1954) and Porgy and Bess (1959). Her talent and elegance made her a prominent figure in Hollywood. She broke barriers for African American actresses in the industry.

In 1968, Carroll took on the lead role in the television series Julia. This was the first time a Black woman starred in a TV show in a non-stereotypical role. The show was a success and earned her a Golden Globe Award. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and passed away from the disease in 2019.

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John was a beloved singer and actress. She gained international fame for her role as Sandy in the musical film Grease (1978). Her performance alongside John Travolta made her a cultural icon. She also had a successful music career with hits like “Physical.”

Newton-John was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. She became a vocal advocate for breast cancer research and awareness. Her cancer returned several times over the next three decades. She passed away in 2022 after a long and public battle with the disease.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston was an actress known for her roles in various films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She appeared in movies such as Mischief (1985), Twins (1988), and Jerry Maguire (1996). Her vibrant personality shone through in her performances.

Preston was married to actor John Travolta. She kept her breast cancer diagnosis private. Her death in 2020 came as a shock to the public. She passed away two years after being diagnosed with the disease.

Peggy Lipton

Peggy Lipton was an actress, singer, and model. She became a television star in the late 1960s with her role as Julie Barnes in the crime drama The Mod Squad (1968-1973). The show was a huge success and made her a fashion icon.

Lipton later appeared in the television series Twin Peaks (1990-1991) as Norma Jennings. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2004 and later battled breast cancer. She passed away from cancer in 2019.

Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers was a popular actress, author, and businesswoman. She rose to fame as Chrissy Snow on the sitcom Three’s Company (1977-1981). Her comedic timing made her a household name. She later starred in the series Step by Step (1991-1998).

Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She became known for her advocacy of alternative medicine. She wrote several books on health and wellness. Somers passed away from breast cancer in 2023.

Ann Jillian

Ann Jillian is an actress and singer who began her career as a child actress. She appeared in the film Gypsy (1962). As an adult, she became known for her roles in television series and made-for-TV movies. She starred in the sitcom It’s a Living (1980-1986).

Jillian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1985. She became a public advocate for cancer awareness and early detection. Her story was told in the television movie The Ann Jillian Story (1988), in which she played herself. She is a survivor and continues to advocate for cancer research.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty is an actress who became a prominent figure in the 1990s. She starred as Brenda Walsh in the teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-1994). She later played Prue Halliwell in the fantasy series Charmed (1998-2001).

Doherty was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She has been very public about her health journey, sharing her experiences on social media. Her cancer went into remission but returned in 2019. She continues to work as an actress while undergoing treatment.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a celebrated actress and comedian. She is known for her roles as Elaine Benes on the sitcom Seinfeld (1990-1998) and Selina Meyer on the political satire Veep (2012-2019). She has won numerous awards for her work.

Louis-Dreyfus announced her breast cancer diagnosis in 2017. She was open about her treatment process, often using humor to discuss her experience. She successfully completed her treatment and returned to her acting career. She is a powerful advocate for women’s health.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate is an actress who began her career as a child. She gained fame as Kelly Bundy on the sitcom Married… with Children (1987-1997). She has since starred in numerous films and television shows, including the series Dead to Me (2019-2022).

Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. She underwent a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of the cancer returning. She has been a vocal supporter of breast cancer awareness and has encouraged women to get screened. In 2021, she announced she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Rita Wilson

Rita Wilson is an actress, producer, and singer. She has appeared in films such as Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and Runaway Bride (1999). She is also a successful film producer, with credits including My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002).

Wilson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She took a leave of absence from her Broadway play to undergo treatment. She has since been cancer-free and has spoken about the importance of getting a second opinion and advocating for one’s own health. She is married to actor Tom Hanks.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was a pioneering actress and singer. She was the first African American to win an Academy Award. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mammy in the film Gone with the Wind (1939). Her career spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s.

McDaniel faced significant racism and discrimination throughout her career. Despite the challenges, she appeared in over 300 films. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1950s. She passed away from the disease in 1952.

Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman was a legendary Swedish actress. She starred in a variety of European and American films. Her most famous roles include Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (1942) and Alicia Huberman in Notorious (1946). She won three Academy Awards during her career.

Bergman was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974. She continued to work in film and on stage while undergoing treatment. Her final film role was in the Swedish film Autumn Sonata (1978). She passed away from breast cancer on her 67th birthday in 1982.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was a dominant figure in Hollywood for over 50 years. She was known for her willingness to play unsympathetic characters. Her notable films include Dangerous (1935), Jezebel (1938), and All About Eve (1950). She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress.

Davis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983 and underwent a mastectomy. She continued to act after her surgery. She passed away in 1989 after a long battle with the disease. Her career left a lasting impact on cinema.

Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck was a versatile and highly respected actress. Her career lasted for 60 years. She was known for her strong and independent characters. Some of her famous films include Stella Dallas (1937), The Lady Eve (1941), and Double Indemnity (1944).

Stanwyck was a very private person. Her health issues were not widely known to the public. She passed away in 1990 from congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It was later revealed that she had also battled breast cancer.

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple was the most famous child star of all time. She began her film career at the age of three. Her popular films from the 1930s include Bright Eyes (1934) and Heidi (1937). As an adult, she became a diplomat and public servant.

Temple was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1972. She was one of the first high-profile women to speak openly about her mastectomy. Her public disclosure helped to reduce the stigma surrounding the disease. She passed away in 2014 from natural causes.

Judy Holliday

Judy Holliday was an actress and singer known for her comedic “dumb blonde” persona. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film Born Yesterday (1950). She also had a successful career on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for the musical Bells Are Ringing.

Holliday was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1950s. She continued to work while undergoing treatment. She passed away from the disease in 1965 at the age of 43. Her career was short but impactful.

Vivian Vance

Vivian Vance was an actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Ethel Mertz on the iconic sitcom I Love Lucy (1951-1957). She won an Emmy Award for her performance on the show. She later co-starred with Lucille Ball in The Lucy Show.

Vance was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1973. She continued to appear in television commercials and guest roles. She passed away from bone cancer, which had metastasized from her breast cancer, in 1979.

Diana Sands

Diana Sands was a talented stage and screen actress. She was a pioneering African American actress in the 1960s. She received a Tony Award nomination for her role in the play The Owl and the Pussycat. Her film credits include A Raisin in the Sun (1961) and The Landlord (1970).

Sands was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 1973. However, some sources also indicate she had breast cancer. She passed away in 1973 at the age of 39. Her promising career was cut short by her illness.

Kay Walsh

Kay Walsh was a British actress and dancer. She began her career in the West End. She appeared in several classic British films, including In Which We Serve (1942) and Oliver Twist (1948), where she played Nancy. She was once married to director David Lean.

Walsh had a long and varied career in film and television. She continued working into the 1980s. She passed away from breast cancer in 2005.

Patsy Rowlands

Patsy Rowlands was a British actress known for her comedic roles. She was a regular in the Carry On film series, appearing in nine of the popular comedies. She was also a familiar face on British television for decades.

Rowlands had a successful career on stage as well. She passed away from breast cancer in 2005. She is remembered for her contributions to British comedy.

Lynn Redgrave

Lynn Redgrave was a member of the famous Redgrave acting family. She was an accomplished stage and screen actress. Her film debut in Georgy Girl (1966) earned her an Academy Award nomination. She also received a Tony Award nomination for her work on Broadway.

Redgrave was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. She wrote a play about her experience called Nightingale. She became an advocate for cancer awareness. She passed away from the disease in 2010.

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh was an actress whose career spanned five decades. She is best known for her iconic role as Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller Psycho (1960). The shower scene in the film is one of the most famous in cinema history. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Leigh starred in many other successful films, including Little Women (1949) and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). She passed away in 2004. While the primary cause of death was vasculitis, she had also battled breast cancer.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was a legendary actress whose career lasted from the 1920s to the 1970s. She was a major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Mildred Pierce (1945). She was known for her glamorous and dramatic roles.

Crawford’s health declined in her later years. She passed away from a heart attack in 1977. It was reported after her death that she had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, and some sources also mention breast cancer.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a highly respected actress, writer, and activist. Her career in film, television, and on stage spanned over 70 years. She often worked alongside her husband, Ossie Davis. Her notable films include A Raisin in the Sun (1961) and American Gangster (2007).

Dee was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. She was a long-term breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in the 1970s and lived for many decades after her treatment. She passed away in 2014 from natural causes.

Ann Sothern

Ann Sothern was an actress who had a career in film and television for over six decades. She was a popular star in the 1940s, known for her comedic roles in films like Maisie (1939). She later had a successful television career, starring in the sitcoms Private Secretary (1953-1957) and The Ann Sothern Show (1958-1961).

Sothern was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The Whales of August (1987). She battled breast cancer in the 1970s. She passed away in 2001 from heart failure.

Susan Flannery

Susan Flannery is an actress best known for her long-running role as Stephanie Forrester on the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful (1987-2012). She won four Daytime Emmy Awards for her performance. She also appeared in the film The Towering Inferno (1974).

Flannery was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1990s. She continued to work on The Bold and the Beautiful while undergoing treatment. She is a survivor and has been an advocate for cancer awareness.

Maura Tierney

Maura Tierney is an actress known for her roles in television. She played Lisa Miller on the sitcom NewsRadio (1995-1999) and Abby Lockhart on the medical drama ER (1999-2009). She won a Golden Globe Award for her role in the drama series The Affair (2014-2019).

Tierney was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. She had to drop out of the television series Parenthood to undergo treatment. She has since been cancer-free and has returned to her successful acting career.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian, actress, and writer. She is known for her sharp and witty stand-up comedy. She has also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine and the comedy series Black-ish.

Sykes was diagnosed with a non-invasive form of breast cancer in 2011. The cancer was discovered after she had cosmetic breast reduction surgery. She opted to have a double mastectomy to prevent a more serious cancer from developing. She has used her experience to raise awareness about breast health.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates is an acclaimed actress of stage and screen. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her chilling performance in the thriller Misery (1990). She has received numerous other awards and nominations for her work in films like Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) and About Schmidt (2002).

Bates is a two-time cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003. In 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. She is also a spokesperson for lymphedema, a condition she developed after her surgery.

Dusty Springfield

Dusty Springfield was a British pop singer and actress. She was a leading figure of the “British Invasion” in the 1960s. Her powerful and soulful voice made her an international star. Her hits include “Son of a Preacher Man” and “I Only Want to Be with You.”

Springfield was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. The cancer went into remission after treatment but returned in 1996. She passed away from the disease in 1999, just days before she was scheduled to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Gloria Grahame

Gloria Grahame was an actress known for her roles as a “femme fatale” in film noir. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Bad and the Beautiful (1952). Her other notable films include It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and The Big Heat (1953).

Grahame was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974. The cancer returned in 1980. She continued to work on stage until shortly before her death. She passed away in 1981.

Jennifer Salt

Jennifer Salt is an actress, screenwriter, and producer. She appeared in films in the late 1960s and 1970s, including Midnight Cowboy (1969) and Sisters (1972). She later became a successful television writer and producer, known for her work on the series Nip/Tuck and American Horror Story.

Salt is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in the 2000s and has spoken about her experience. She has continued her successful career in television.

Shelley Winters

Shelley Winters was a character actress who had a long and distinguished career. She won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and A Patch of Blue (1965). She was known for her bold and often flamboyant performances.

Winters was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1970s and underwent a mastectomy. She continued to act for many years after her surgery. She passed away in 2006 from heart failure.

Simone Signoret

Simone Signoret was a French actress who gained international acclaim. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the British film Room at the Top (1959). She was the first French actress to win an Oscar. Her other notable films include Diabolique (1955) and Ship of Fools (1965).

Signoret was a heavy smoker and her health declined in her later years. She passed away from pancreatic cancer in 1985. Some reports also indicate she had breast cancer.

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts was a Welsh actress of stage and screen. She was known for her powerful and intense performances. She won a BAFTA Award for her role in the film Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960). She also had a successful career on Broadway, winning a Tony Award.

Roberts battled alcoholism and depression throughout her life. She passed away in 1980 from an overdose of barbiturates and alcohol. An autopsy revealed that she also had undiagnosed breast cancer.

Elizabeth Montgomery

Elizabeth Montgomery was an actress best known for her role as the witch Samantha Stephens in the popular sitcom Bewitched (1964-1972). The show was a huge success and made her a television icon. She received five Emmy nominations for her work on the series.

After Bewitched, Montgomery starred in a number of successful television movies. She was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 1995. The cancer was very advanced and she passed away just eight weeks after her diagnosis. While the primary cancer was colorectal, some sources have mentioned a history of breast cancer.

Viveca Lindfors

Viveca Lindfors was a Swedish-born actress who worked in Hollywood and on Broadway. She had a long and varied career, appearing in over 100 films and television shows. Her film credits include Adventures of Don Juan (1948) and The Hand (1981).

Lindfors was a respected stage actress and a member of the Actors Studio. She passed away in 1995 from complications of rheumatoid arthritis. She had also battled breast cancer in her later years.

Irene Handl

Irene Handl was a British character actress who appeared in over 100 films. She was known for her comedic roles, often playing eccentric or working-class women. Her films include I’m All Right Jack (1959) and The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970).

Handl also had a successful career on stage and television. She passed away in 1987 from carcinomatosis, a widespread form of cancer. Some reports specify that the primary cancer was breast cancer.

Susan George

Susan George is an English actress who became an international star in the 1970s. She is best known for her role in the controversial thriller Straw Dogs (1971). Her other films include Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974) and Mandingo (1975).

George has been a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness. She is a survivor of the disease and has spoken about the importance of early detection. She is also a successful horse breeder.

Carroll Baker

Carroll Baker is an actress who became a major star in the 1950s. She is best known for her role in the controversial film Baby Doll (1956), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She later moved to Italy and starred in a number of European films.

Baker has spoken about her experience with breast cancer. She was diagnosed in the 1980s and underwent a mastectomy. She has since been a supporter of cancer research and has encouraged women to be proactive about their health.

Ja’Net DuBois

Ja’Net DuBois was an actress, singer, and songwriter. She was best known for her role as the vivacious neighbor Willona Woods on the sitcom Good Times (1974-1979). She also co-wrote and sang the theme song for the sitcom The Jeffersons.

DuBois had a long career in television, with guest roles on many popular shows. She passed away in her sleep in 2020. A death certificate later revealed that she had suffered from peripheral vascular disease and chronic kidney disease, but some reports also mentioned a history of breast cancer.

Lya Lys

Lya Lys was a German-born actress who had a brief but memorable career in Hollywood. She appeared in the surrealist film L’Age d’Or (1930) directed by Luis Buñuel. She also starred in the horror film The Vampire Bat (1933) with Lionel Barrymore.

Lys’s career declined in the late 1930s. She later became a U.S. citizen and worked in other fields. She passed away in 1986 from heart failure, but she had also been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Una Stubbs

Una Stubbs was a beloved English actress and dancer. She was known for her roles as Rita in the sitcom Till Death Us Do Part and as Aunt Sally in the children’s show Worzel Gummidge. In her later career, she played Mrs. Hudson in the popular series Sherlock (2010-2017).

Stubbs had a long and varied career in theatre, television, and film. She was a familiar and welcome presence on British screens for decades. She passed away in 2021 after a period of illness, with some reports mentioning a battle with cancer.

Dorothy Malone

Dorothy Malone was an American actress who was known for her glamorous and often dramatic roles. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film Written on the Wind (1956). She also played the lead role in the popular television series Peyton Place (1964-1968).

Malone had a long career in film and television. She retired from acting in the 1990s. She passed away in 2018 from natural causes, but it was reported that she had battled breast cancer in her later years.

Billie Whitelaw

Billie Whitelaw was an English actress who was highly regarded for her work on stage and screen. She was a favorite of the playwright Samuel Beckett and performed in many of his plays. Her film roles include The Omen (1976) and The Krays (1990).

Whitelaw had a long and distinguished career. She was known for her intense and powerful performances. She passed away in 2014. While the cause of death was not publicly announced, it has been reported that she had breast cancer.

Jill Ireland

Jill Ireland was an English actress who appeared in many films and television shows. She was often cast opposite her second husband, actor Charles Bronson. Their films together include The Valachi Papers (1972) and Death Wish II (1982).

Ireland was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984. She wrote two books about her experience with the disease, Life Wish and Life Line. She became a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. She passed away from breast cancer in 1990.

Fay Wray

Fay Wray was a Canadian-American actress who is best remembered for her iconic role as Ann Darrow in the classic film King Kong (1933). The image of her being held in the giant ape’s hand is one of the most famous in movie history. She had a long career, starting in the silent era.

Wray continued to act in films and television throughout her life. She passed away in her sleep in 2004 at the age of 96. While she died of natural causes, she had been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer earlier in her life.

Michelle Phillips

Michelle Phillips is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was a member of the iconic 1960s folk-rock group The Mamas & the Papas. She co-wrote some of their biggest hits, including “California Dreamin’.” After the group disbanded, she embarked on an acting career.

Phillips appeared in films such as Dillinger (1973) and on television in the primetime soap opera Knots Landing. She is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in the 1990s and has since been an advocate for early detection and research.